UPDATE 5/23/13
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- A commission studying West Virginia's highway system is proposing tax and fee increases to raise millions of dollars for maintenance and repairs.

The proposals include increasing the sales tax, increasing vehicle registration and title fees, and raising the cigarette tax.

Media outlets report that the West Virginia Blue Ribbon Highway Commission decided Wednesday to hold six public hearings around the state on the proposals in June.

If all the proposals were approved, they would generate more than $400 million in additional revenue annually. But that's less than half the funding needed to fully maintain and repair the state's roads and bridges.

Wes Stafford with the engineering consulting firm CDM Smith told the commission that more than 1,300 miles of state roads are deficient.

An executive order issued Tuesday by Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin establishes the West Virginia Blue Ribbon Highway Commission. The commission will study the highway system's condition and needs, and identify funding options.

Commission members include state officials, members of statewide constituency groups, county and municipal representatives, legislators and citizens.

Tomblin says the commission's plan will help the state meet the highway system's current and future needs.

A report will be given to the governor before the 2013 regular legislative session begins.